The Annual Celebration brought the total scholarship funds raised to $300,000.
The Joseph Fund is honored to have welcomed our community back to Moorestown’s Main Street for our 2024 Annual Fundraiser and Celebration. The halls of the Community House were bursting with excitement, from old friends gathering in the Club Room to special (mini) guests awaiting their debut upstairs. Delicious short rib quesadillas and Mexican cheese cigars whizzed by on platters, hinting at the Hispanic flair to be revealed at dinner.
Soon after, the Ballroom doors opened to start our program. Our community members were able to sit and speak with the parents of our guests of honor: the Catholic Partnership Schools Mini Choir. These elementary school students sported smiles and sweet dance moves to kick off a heartwarming evening. Singing in both English and Spanish, it was wonderful to see the fruits of a supportive environment that allows our Scholars to find their lifelong passions. We are grateful to their teachers for cultivating a deep love of singing and taking care of our students after the school day has ended.
“I like that we go on field trips, and I like my school because my teachers are very nice.”
A tough act to follow up, Gisell Cornish and Licelot Rodriguez discussed the powerful difference the Procacci Family Summer Enrichment Program is having in Camden. They shared immense gratitude for being able to deliver crucial educational services and opportunities to our Joseph Fund Scholars year-round. They highlighted not just the importance for the students, but also for the hardworking parents who would otherwise need childcare services during the summer months to keep their jobs. With our third summer behind us, this is just the beginning for the life-changing program.
“[Your support] is a powerful affirmation of our mission and the potential of the youth, of the young minds that we nurture, and this was the vision of Monsignor Bob. He had a vision for those kids: the future of our city.” – Licelot Rodriguez
A familiar face then took the stage. Erianny Reyes, a 2019 Camden Catholic graduate, returned to share how far she has been able to go thanks in part to the support of The Joseph Fund. After completing her undergraduate degree at Villanova University, she is now pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy with the goal of working at Our Lady of Lourdes in Camden to “give back to the community that has raised [her].” Erianny is grateful to have so many educators, advisors, and Joseph Fund supporters as part of her family.
“Continue to ignite the fires in so many children’s hearts. Whether it’s to go to college, to become a doctor, to get a trade skill, to do service. Whatever it is, continue to ignite those fires because it means a lot to us, and it’s something that we’ll always remember for the rest of our lives.”
– Erianny Reyes, Class of 2019
With the help of Board Member Ed Hutchinson, The Joseph Fund awarded the Msgr. Robert T. McDermott Philanthropy and Community Service Award to Principal Kyle Orosz. With a huge smile, Kyle reveled in “how wonderful it is to be honored for something that you love to do.” She shared the warmth of St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral and welcomed everyone to meet the children, parents, and teachers who make her school so special.
“[Our teachers] have high expectations for our students, but most of all, they provide a safe, loving, calm, structured environment so that our children can learn. And this would not be possible without you.” – Kyle Orosz
The night was already a beautiful tribute to The Joseph Fund’s impact on so many children (and now adults) in Camden. However, The Ralph L. & Florence A. Bernard Foundation had a surprise in store. The fundraising thermometer was back, but this time, the Bernard Foundation pledged to donate an additional $50,000 once the threshold was reached!
What happened next was a first in our history. Over $100,000 was raised before the match was even factored in! In a stunning display of altruism, our community broke a record for the most fundraised in a single night. In total, the Celebration raised $300,000 in scholarships for current and future Joseph Fund Scholars. The future is bright in Camden thanks to Erianny, Principal Kyle, Licelot, Gisell, and every member of The Joseph Fund family.